Family desperate to find dog stolen inside stroller in Harlem subway station

HARLEM (WABC) -- A Harlem family is desperate to find the person who walked out of the 125th Street subway station in Harlem with their dog.

The beloved pup named Lady was stolen on Monday after a trip to the groomer.

Mckina Artis and her daughter are heartbroken after they say a man stole their 11-year-old Shih Tzu.

"I just want my puppy back, please. I won't press charges, nothing, I just want her back, I'll even pay you for her, she doesn't know anything of anybody else," Artis said.

Lady has been right by McKina's side since the dog was 2 months old.

The incident happened on Monday afternoon around 12:15 p.m. inside of the subway station at 125th St and Lexington Avenue.

McKina got off the train in Harlem and while walking up the stairs with Lady in a stroller, a cup fell out.

McKina placed the stroller at the top of the stairs and went back to get the cup.

By the time she got back to the top of the stairs, the dog was gone.

"A security guard seen the man go in the stroller and pick her up but by the time he put two and two together he had already ran down the steps of the train station," she said.

Police took a report and helped look for the suspect who they said was wearing a green sweater, beige shorts and had no shoes on.

The family is hoping someone sees the flyer and comes forward.

"My mom's been through her fair share of life and she truly finally found happiness with Lady," McKina's daughter Christina said.

Lady is very friendly, was not wearing a collar, and isn't chipped. She weighs about 16 pounds and last had a ponytail with purple highlights.

"We're like Bonnie and Clyde, best friends. I know she's not eating or drinking or nothing," McKina said.